Lebanon, again a model for the Middle East

To the representatives of Masci (Italian Catholic Movement of Adult Scouts), Pope Francis asks them to enhance their efforts on the streets, but also the "ecclesial dimension of" the scouting experience. Families founded in the Sacraments; Respect for Creation as "disciples of Christ"; commitment to the cities being "faithful to Christ and faithful to humanity”.

The new clergymen will be ordained in 2015, the Year of Consecrated Life. Fr Errol Fernandes SJ led the novices in a retreat. The Asian Church also "faces many challenges, but with its selflessness and other-centredness, it has a message to deliver to the world."

The figure emerges from a statistic published by the Ministry for Islamic Affairs. Over 500 accounts that promoted extremist organizations closed. A a religious television network also shut down.

The Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings reopen after being closed following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Washington is "deeply concerned" with the plan to build 500 new homes in Ramat Shlomo settlement. Knesset adopts a law that makes prisoner release and swap very difficult.

Francis meets with members of the Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowships, and urges them to unity in diversity "which means recognizing and accepting with joy the different gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to each one and putting them all in the service of the Church. It is listening, accepting differences, having the freedom to think differently and expressing it! With all due respect to the other who is my brother". A strong call to "remember the ecumenical nature" of the charismatic movement: "For persecutors, we are one! Ecumenism of the blood."